The Never Stop Learning group firstly got together and reviewed what was missing from the learning offers available to adults today. We concluded that it was the democratic model which was developed between learners and tutors by the WEA. It was a well known and much loved way to learn and the Never Stop Learning group say it is needed more than ever in these difficult times. In order to demonstrate how the traditional WEA model works best for learners, the group members researched and wrote up a great example of collective learning and action in 1970’s and ’80’s Washington New Town. The example focuses on teaching and learning developed by and for women.
Through the Never Stop Learning group we are spreading knowledge about democracy in education and explaining how it makes a vital difference. Our ‘Time of Our Lives’ publication is the first of many that we plan to write and produce collectively. For example, we intend to publish booklets on Trade Union involvement in member education, lessons from the successful Return to Learning programme and, international education for adult learners. Above all, we want to make sure that the legacy of the WEA in the North East and our key values continue to bring benefits for future generations.
The WEA changed during the last decade in particular and moved away from the tradition of providing democratically organised community and adult learning. We explain in a Never Stop Learning paper What is NSLMR how senior managers took the opportunity in 2023 and 2024 to finally dismantle WEA’s democratic structures by scrapping regional committees, removing local branches from the formal structure and effectively removing local governance and accountability. In August 2024 many members of staff were made redundant and the NE Regional office was closed, a major blow and the WEA now has a greatly diminished presence in the North East. However, the Never Stop Learning group will continue to campaign and show that there is a good case for retaining democratically organised adult education.
Would we have done anything differently? We are still coming to terms with the actions of senior staff and WEA Trustees.
Sadly, government funding now prioritises work skills and qualifications, and there is little available for wider more rounded, adult education despite the benefits that this provides. Look out for a future snapshot of learning from us when we will hopefully, give some further lessons from our experiences.
Keith Hodgson and Anne Staines
